Aloma Methodist borrows `The Holy Grill'

FOCUS ON RELIGION

July 14, 2005|By Debbie Barr, Special to the Sentinel

When Hurricane Charley blew through Central Florida in August, winds generated by the storm whipped the 40-foot steeple off the Aloma United Methodist Church sanctuary in Winter Park and plunged the spire back through the sanctuary roof.

"The steeple just kind of torpedoed through the roof. As we stood inside the sanctuary, it looked surreal. There was this big steeple hanging down into the pews," said the Rev. Andy Searles, pastor of congregational life at the church.

Since Hurricane Charley, the congregation and children's church have taken up Sunday residence at the Aloma Cinema Grille, referred to affectionately by some church members as "The Holy Grill." Sunday services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the cinema, 2155 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park.

Searles said that displacement of the congregation for nearly a year has been difficult, not to mention adjusting to a "new financial reality" at the church. But the ordeal has not been without its silver lining, he said.

"I think the most important part of the journey is what it's done for us as a congregation. It's helping us to understand what we're really about," said Searles, who has been a pastor at the church for the past six years. "It's the fact that we can still worship God and love Jesus together wherever we are."

Last year, Charley made its mark on Central Florida on Aug. 13.

Searles said that two days later, members of the congregation scraped together several thousand dollars to donate to Punta Gorda, a town on the Gulf Coast that was leveled by the storm on its path inland.

Congregants also broke up into task forces to meet the needs of their surrounding community through outreach.

"The church's role is to provide spiritual and emotional support," Searles said. "During the hurricanes we were reminded that people are God's most precious commodity."

Searles said he and the Rev. Bruce Williams, senior pastor, hopped into the car that Monday searching for a place to house the congregation for the next Sunday.

They found it in the Aloma Cinema Grille, which was affordable, flexible enough in terms of hours that they could use it on Sunday mornings and close to the flock.

Searles said keeping the doors of the church open was a top priority to provide a sense of security and assurance for the church community.

"You just feel displaced [after something like that happens]. People needed some sort of normality and stability in their schedules," he said.

Because of the time required to set up and break down the church on Sundays at the cinema grill, the move cost the church its third Sunday service.

The new location also cost the church some members. With the transition, total Sunday attendance dropped from 600 to 700 to between 500 and 600, Searles said.

However, Searles said the church's temporary location has also attracted new people who wouldn't have come otherwise.

Searles said the second silver lining to the hurricanes is that the congregation has redirected its focus.

"It's not about the building; it's about the people. Although it's been painful, God is doing a great thing in helping us to trust him," Searles said.

He said a group of about 20 church members and staff formed a renovation team to oversee repairs and structural updates.

Reconstruction and renovation of the sanctuary and children's wing got under way about two months ago.

Although insurance negotiations are still in progress, Searles estimated that the church will have to pay $1.5 million to $2 million for repairs and updates that would bring sprinkler systems and building codes up to regulation.

Plans above and beyond repairs include expansion of the sanctuary and lobby as well as the children's nursery and office space in the children's wing. In addition, entrance ramps and restrooms in both the sanctuary and children's wing will be updated in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, Searles said.

Searles guessed that the work would be complete by December, but he was cautiously optimistic.

"We've learned the lesson that you can never tell," he said.

With the hurricane season now at Central Florida's doorstep, Searles said another hurricane wouldn't wash out rebuilding; it would only slow it down.

With their priorities in focus, the church and its members will be able to weather yet another storm, he said.

For information, call Searles at the church at 407-671-2180 or visit alomazone.org.